Break out the mascara and mullets, it's time to hit the bowling lanes and raise money for a great cause.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary is set to host its sixth annual Bowl for Kids Sake fundraiser - dubbed Rock and Bowl - at Cochrane Lanes on March 17 and David Case, communications and marketing specialist for BBBS can't wait to see what everyone will be wearing.
"We have high expectations for Cochrane," said Case. "They are the most dedicated dresser uppers. We are expecting some pretty amazing costumes."
Jacquie Matechuk is the owner of Cochrane Floors and More – a business that been a strong supporter of the event each year – said they will not disappoint. Her team is planning a "horrible rendition of Twisted Sister."
"It will be both horrible and memorable," she said.
Aside from pulling out all the stops on the costumes to try and nab the Spirit Award, Cochrane Floors and More will also be looking to reclaim the Top Fundraiser title this year.
Case said her company regularly rakes in the most money for the event, and Matechuk attributes that to the team's commitment to cause.
"It's just a big team effort," she said.
While the company regularly supports the community, Bowl for Kids is the only initiative they actively fundraise for – usually their efforts are strictly out of pocket. Not going to well for money all the time, is what Matechuks says helps the Floors and More team raise between $3,000 and $4,000 each year.
Last year's $3,800 was approximately one-quarter of the total proceeds of the whole event - $15,000.
Each year Matechuk puts a friendly "soft challenge" out to businesses to lead the fundraising charge.
"It's a very fun event and it's such a great charge," she said.
The money raised from Bowl For Kids Sake goes to support BBBS's mentorship programs, which include matching individuals with a big sister or brother and the in-school teen mentor program.
Through both initiatives, youth with challenges varying from financial barriers to dealing with abuse are provided with a healthy outlet and positive role model.
Currently, the mentorship program helps around 72 youth and more than 100 in the schools.
At any given time, Case said there are children on the wait list – currently eight – meaning they are always looking for mentors, especially for boys.
Last year's Bowl for Kids Sake event attracted nearly 100 bowlers and Case hopes that will be matched this year.
To register for the event which is divided into three time slots – 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m – go to http://bbbscalgary.ca/cochranebowl/
